Kelechi Iheanacho eager to begin new Middlesbrough adventure

Ayomide Akinkuade
4 Min Read

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed his excitement about joining Middlesbrough on loan and is looking forward to starting this new phase of his club career.

Kelechi Iheanacho finalized his loan transfer to Middlesbrough following a brief spell at Sevilla where he struggled to secure regular playing time, starting only five La Liga games alongside two Copa Del Rey matches.

Speaking after the move, Kelechi Iheanacho shared his happiness with joining the Championship side: “I’m really excited to be here, it’s a lovely place, they’ve made me feel welcome so I’m really happy.”

The Nigerian attacker revealed that the transfer process was swift and seamless: “The move went really quickly. Everything was quick and fast so I’m buzzing to be here. The coach is good, the team is good, and I’ve played against them few times and I think it’s a good club. The manager is a really nice guy and I’ve been speaking to him as well, so I’m happy to be here.”

Reflecting on his upbringing in Nigeria, Iheanacho emphasized the significance of his early experiences in shaping his passion for football. “I’ve loved football since I was a kid. Playing around the streets with friends and then playing in the academy. It’s what I love and enjoy so I’m happy with my journey from Nigeria to Manchester, Leicester, Sevilla then here.”

Iheanacho acknowledged the ups and downs he has faced throughout his career but remains optimistic about his future. “There’s been ups and downs but I’ve enjoyed it and hopefully I enjoy here as well.”

As a representative of his community and country, Iheanacho takes pride in his heritage: “It’s very good to represent my community and my country. I’m proud to represent my country and I’ll keep doing that as long as I’m playing.”

Despite not securing consistent playing time, Iheanacho had good words to say about Sevilla, indicating the possibility of returning there in the future: “It was great to get away and feel a different environment. It’s a good atmosphere there and a great club. Sevilla is a great team and I’ll always be happy to go back there but I’m here now so I’m focusing here and what we can achieve here.”

Kelechi Iheanacho eager to begin new Middlesbrough adventure
Iheanacho in action for Sevilla

With his prior experience playing and winning the Championship with Leicester City, Iheanacho expressed his confidence about the task ahead: “It feels like home now coming back to England so I’m buzzing to get started. It was a good experience playing in the championship with Leicester City and we won that. I played against Middlesbrough but I didn’t score. It’s a good experience and I know what it takes so I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’m feeling ready, I’m ready to go, I can’t wait to get started. It’s a good club and a great league so let’s see where it goes,” he added.

While avoiding individual targets, Iheanacho shared his collective goal with Middlesbrough: “I’m not a good fan of setting targets but it would be collectively as a team to get to the Premier League. It’s one step at a time but hopefully we can work together to achieve that goal.”

The scene is now set for Kelechi Iheanacho’s potential debut game, which could happen in Middlesbrough’s upcoming Championship match against Sheffield United on Wednesday. Following two consecutive defeats, the team will be hungry for a victory in order to get into the playoff spots.

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